The world is a crazy place right now and I am scared.
Lots of people’s lives are turned upside down right now by current events and things are really hard to understand and hard to deal with.
This is a story I like to share.
A student went to Nakagawa Soen Roshi during a meditation retreat and said, “Master, I am feeling very discouraged. What should I do?”
And Roshi replied, “Encourage others.”
That story has meant a lot to me since I heard it. I think we’re best at encouraging others when we feel discouraged and it feels like there’s no hope.
I am discouraged. How can I encourage you?
Encouragement is central to this new project and I will not lose sight of that intent. I want to encourage you.
I teach online. I think if you’re reading this you know that. I reach people all over the world and it’s rewarding. I’m trying to figure out if I can serve my local community too.
Right now I’m envisioning “Fountain City Meditation” as a floating community, a group where we come together at different places and different times.
I want to provide opportunities for meditation practice and I want to encourage that practice. There are several meditation communities in town. I want to reach the people that aren’t feeling served by those communities. I know those people exist.
I used to belong to a Buddhist community as a very active member, I was around for years. I saw so many people come and go. Some people would come once or twice and then go. But others would stay for months and years and then just be gone. I don’t know what the disappearing people needed. I just know they weren’t getting it. I want to reach people that feel like they don’t belong anywhere. I want to reach people that no one is reaching and I want to encourage them.
(if you want to know why I left, just ask. I want to share with others and I want others to feel comfortable sharing with me. There are real human issues in life and no one is perfect)
I also want to reach people that maybe don’t feel totally lost, but are interested in something a little different.
So, this is my invitation to you, if you’re in or around Kansas City.
If you want a community where none of us pretend that we’re perfect or that we have it all together.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in a Meditation Center or Buddhist Temple.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only person in the meditation room who doesn’t know what’s going on.
If you really want a sense of community with your meditation group.
If you feel like you can’t meditate, or you’re not calm enough, or everyone will look at you like a fraud.
If you feel alone in a room full of people because no one in the community has reached out to you.
Come join. I want to encourage you.
I don’t know how many events we’re going to have, or how often. A lot of that will depend on how much demand there is.
But I’m inspired to serve. I’m here to help.
What do you need?
How can I encourage you?
